Proper landscaping can certainly turn any business, home, or piece of property into a work of art. But it takes special skills to make sure it’s done properly. That’s where the Association of Professional Landscape Designers (APLD) comes in. They’re our Key Partner this month.

According to its website, APLD is dedicated to advancing the profession of landscape design. It also promotes the recognition of landscape designers as qualified and dedicated professionals.

It began back in 1986, when two landscape designers—Donna Swansen and Peggy Connors—decided to work together and form an association to address the professional concerns and issues they were experiencing. In 1988, they came up with the name Association of Professional Landscape Designers and incorporated in February 1989.

APLD is headquartered in Harrisburg, PA. During the first few years, membership was found mainly in the northeastern United States. Today, members can be found throughout the nation and around the world.

Members are expected to follow a code of professional standards, actively participate in continuing education, and be current with state-of-the-art developments and trends throughout the landscaping field.

APLD provides members with a number of benefits and opportunities to help promote landscape design. An international design conference, trade show, workshops, and garden tours are just some of the events scheduled for this year.

The association is also an advocate for landscape designers. Since local and state laws often set guidelines and ordinances that landscapers must follow, the APLD works to communicate any changes and work with lawmakers on behalf of its members.

The association offers its members a certification program based on built projects that provides professional recognition to designers who pass a peer review program. That gives customers the assurance they’re working with trained designers who can help them achieve the landscapes they’re looking for.

Hortica is a member and an annual bronze sponsor of APLD. For more information about the organization, check out their website.

Industry events

If you’d like to find horticultural events, check out our Industry Events page. They occur across the country. Attend one near you and learn new methods, get up to speed on new technologies, and meet your peers in the industry. You’ll find many benefits for your business now and in the future.